Fairbanks quarterback Jacob Nicol throws a pass to Braeden Fairchild during last week’s game against Madison Plains. The Panthers will host Southeastern on Friday. More photos may be found at marysvillejt.com.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Mac Cordell)
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A pair of former Marysville High School football players will guide their respective teams into battle Friday evening on Fairbanks’ Kyre Field.
Patrick Cotter’s Panthers (2-2) will play host to Southeastern, which is guided by ex-Monarch and former Triad head coach Payton Printz.
The Trojans (1-3) could give the Panthers a couple of different offensive set-ups in which to defend.
“One game, they played a lot of trips with doubles and one-back,” said Cotter. “It’s obvious that they want to run the ball, which is what Payton’s teams like to do.
“Another time, we saw a pistol set with a blocking back,” he said. “I imagine we will see a little bit of both.”
Southeastern is led by quarterback Hunter Davis and running back Lane McCombs.
Charlie Bertemes and Tucker Ericksen are also good receivers.
“Southeastern is going to try and pound the rock on us, which is typical of Payton’s teams,” said Cotter. “After that, they will try to take timely shots down field with their passing game.
“We’ve got to contain their running game and get after them that way,” he said. “However, our defensive backs will also have to be on their toes against the pass.
“We also have to put pressure on their quarterback.”
The Trojans will line up with a 4-3 defensive front.
They will also, at times, walk up a defensive back or two in order to try and contain FHS’ ground game.
“They blitz well and play the gap well,” said Cotter. “They are going to try and stop our running game.
“However, I think we can exploit their defense on the edges with our speed.”
Cotter has been pleased with his offense the past couple of weeks.
“I think we’ve gotten into a better flow, mixing up the run and the pass,” he said. “We want to keep other teams guessing.”
Senior quarterback Jacob Nicol had a very good game last Friday when the Panthers beat Madison Plains, 56-14.
Nicol, who was playing his second game since a preseason knee problem, completed 17-of-23 passes for nearly 300 yards and six touchdowns.
Nicol’s return to the lineup has meant a different assignment for backup QB Braxton Wilhelm.
He was FHS’ leading ground-gainer with 43 yards last week as Mason Cushman worked through a minor injury.
“Braxton was our starting quarterback for the first two weeks, but he knows the offense from every position,” said Cotter.
“He’s like a Swiss Army knife because he’s so versatile,” the coach added. “He will do anything he can to help the team win. There’s still a spot for Braxton in our offense.”
Cotter said the key to victory on Friday will be to continue with the team concept.
“Our offense needs to keep doing its job in order to keep our defense off the field,” he said. “Our defense will also need to get the ball back to our offense as quickly as possible.”